Jaisalmer
Introduction to Jaisalmer
Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of
Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an
important ancient trading centre because of its
strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often
described as the 'golden city'. A desert city, it was
founded by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in
the year 1156. Jaisalmer could be regarded as the
western sentinel of entire India and a place worth
visiting to get an idea of the native Rajasthan. Located
at the heart of the great Thar Desert, it offers the
visitor an enchanting world of fable, colour, and
history. Moreover, the magnificent wood-and stone-carved
mansions and buildings display the love and interest
Rajputs had for the fine arts. The desert festival held
here by the end of the winter season, during the months
of January and February, attracts a large number of
domestic and foreign tourists.
Places of Interest
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer fort is the main attraction of this
picturesque desert city of Rajasthan. Located on the top
of the Trikuta Hill, it is visible from a distance of
about 15 kilometres. The ramparts, bastions and the
long-stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously
during early morning and at sunset. You can also have a
look at a cultural programme organised by Rajasthan
Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) at the local
Poonam Stadium, just below the fort. Camel rides and
camel races are a common sight in the Jaisalmer
festivals. The parade of the gaily-caparisoned camels
presents a spectacular sight. The characteristic
colourful turban tying competitions of the locals, the
camel décor competitions, tug-of-war along with a prize
for the most impressive moustache are some of the many
interesting events that will not only thrill you but
also make you come here again and again.
Jain Temples
Within the fort complex lie the beautifully carved Jain
Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The
Maharawals (rulers) of Jaisalmer were devout Hindus but
were tolerant of Jainism, and encouraged art and
religion. There are 7 temples in the complex -
Chandraprabhu, Parasnath, Shitalnath, Sambhavnath,
Shantinath, Kunthunath and Rikhabdev Temple. The temples
are all connected by a series of corridors and walkways.
Closeby is the Gyan Bhandar, a library founded in 1500
A.D. This house is priceless ancient manuscripts and
other exhibits like astrological charts, besides the
Jain equivalent of the Christian Shroud of Turin.
Laxminath Temple
It is located in a centre of the fort. The less ornate
Hindu temple in the complex features an interesting dome
that exhibits fine paintings.
Havelis
Jaisalmer's strategic position on the camel terrain
route bought it great wealth. The merchants grew
prosperous and commissioned great havelis, or mansions,
to flaunt their ever growing status in society. Made of
local golden-yellow sand stone and wood, some of the
havelis are still in excellent condition. The most
elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis
is the Patwaon Ki Haveli. The haveli was built between
1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers. Salim Singh Ki
Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two havelis
that are opened to visitors.
Gadi Sagar Tank
Once the source of water supply to the city. The tank is
surrounded by shrines and temples and a variety of
waterfowl can be spotted here in the winter months.
Excursion: Places nearby Jaisalmer
Khuri Village
Located at a distance of about 40 kilometres, Khuri is
another place to visit during your excursion. The
village is known for its camel rides, shifting sand
dunes that are about 80 metres high and exceptionally
beautiful sunset, which could be followed by an
exclusive dinner. Many places are available here for
eating as well as lodging. You can also experience the
desert solitude and beautifully decorated houses of mud
and straw.
Manvar
Another place to include in your excursion itinerary is
Manvar. The place is famous for its amazing mustard and
red chilli fields in the middle of the desert, craftsmen
at work, cobblers making jutti, unexplored sand dunes,
desert fox, chinkara, peacocks, desert camp with all the
facilities, camel safaris and the sunset. A stay in a
traditional farmer/'s hut here gives you an glimpse of
rural Rajasthan.
Pokhran
Pokhran is famous as a place where India conducted its
nuclear tests. India conducted its first nuclear test
here on 18 May 1974. Later on 11 May 1998 India carried
out five more nuclear tests here. However, Pokhran also
attracts the attention as a tourist spot. Located just
112 kilometres, the place has some interesting
mythological legends related to it. According to the
legend, Ram once fitted his bow with a powerful arrow,
which generated great heat, in order to dry up the seas
of Sri Lanka. Cajoled not to do so, he instead fired it
into the mythical river Saraswati as a result of which
the river dried up making the place a barren desert. The
Maheshwari havelis, colourful Rajasthani dresses,
cenotaphs and temples and the Pokhran Museum are some of
the other sites that you can see in Pokhran.
Added Attraction
Sunset camel ride on the Sam Sand Dunes
A trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete without this visit to
most panoramic Dunes of Sam, where the wind is
unceasingly carving out scenic patterns on this desert
sand, truly the essence of the desert, the ripples of
the Dunes create a enchanting mirage. By visiting the
Sam Sand Dunes, it is possible to get an insight into
desert, Camel rides on the Sand Dunes are a thrilling
experience, as is the brilliant sunset.
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